Jodhpur Lancers


Book Description

This is the story of the magnificent Jodhpur Lancers - one of India's most charismatic cavalry regiments - even as centenary celebrations begin of their finest hour, their extraordinary victory at the Battle of Haifa (now in Israel) in 1918. Indeed, the charge, mounted on horses against machine gun fire, at the fortified city then held by German and Turkish forces, is described by many as 'perhaps the greatest cavalry charge ever on a regimental scale', ranking alongside Cromwell's Ironsides at Marston Moor, the Polish Lancers at Somosierra and the German cavalry at Mars-la-Tour. No wonder the Jodhpur Lancers were referred to as the Jo Hokums ('As You Command') by the end of the Great War - no challenge was insurmountable, no order ever refused. Laced with anecdotes and 'inside stories', Michael Creese traces the roots of the regiment from its raising by the legendary Sir Pratap Singh to its early actions in China. From the muddy trenches of France, to Haifa, Aleppo and Damascus; to its eventual mechanisation in the Second World War. Finally, and sadly, to its bureaucratic amalgamation with the Indian Army in the 1950s, where, against many odds, it has been able to retain a slice of its identity and history; the battle cry always 'Ran Banka Rathore' ('The Rathore - Invincible in Battle').




The Story of the Jodhpur Lancers, 1885-1952


Book Description

-Provides a comprehensive historical account of the Jodhpur Lancers - their origin, brave deeds and role in the armies of British India and the Princely State of Jodhpur -Includes over 500 images, including rare photographs, maps, documents and sketches -Takes readers back to an era of royalty and pageantry, passion and valor - and reminds us of the sacrifice of the Indian troops who fought in the First World War The history of the erstwhile State of Jodhpur is a record of heroic exploits, epic victories and magnificent gallantry displayed by its army. The Story of the Jodhpur Lancers is a remarkable narrative of the warriors of this Indian Princely State - prior to, and during the First and Second World Wars - and of how the friendship between an Indian Prince, Sir Pratap Singh, and British royalty contributed to the Allied War efforts. This book provides a comprehensive historical account of the Jodhpur Lancers - their origin, their deeds and dash and their role in the armies of British India and their Princely State. Featuring rare photographs, maps, documents and sketches, this book is a richly illustrated kaleidoscope packed with historical data assembled from a wide variety of sources, much of it previously unavailable. The author has taken the skeins of Jodhpur history and woven them expertly to create a fascinating story. Forewords by General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff and Maharaja Gaj Singh, erstwhile Maharaja of Jodhpur, make the book even more memorable. The Story of the Jodhpur Lancers also reminds us, lest we forget, of the sacrifice of so many Indians who fought in the Great War and who died in foreign lands, as brave sons of India. The book contains detailed information about the Jodhpur Lancers and the mavericks who won fame at the Battle of Haifa in 1918, during the Great War. Ardently written and engrossing to read, it takes readers back to an era of royalty and pageantry, passion and valor.




Between Two Worlds


Book Description

Diary of Amar Singh with annotations, commentary, and introduction by DeWitt C. Ellinwood, Jr.




Major Shaitan Singh, PVC: The Man In Half Light | A Complete Biography


Book Description

When I was researching about Major Shaitan Singh, PVC, I never thought it would be so hard to find out about 1962. I started finding people related to the war. While I talked to people, I sensed hesitation talking about the war. Some of them didn’t even want to talk about the horrors of the war. Those dark nights with glowing flashes still haunt people. Those snow-clad white shining heights which we as tourists see and look so beautiful are nightmares for some of the bravest souls. Only they know what they’ve lost there, those white shining heights are actually red, red due to the blood of those who never came back. It is a story of pain which no one can understand.




The Ravi Lancers


Book Description

January, 1914. They had suffered at the hands of the Raj; now they were being asked to die in its name? Reinforcing all that Prince Krishna Ram admires about Britain, in Warren Bateman it seems the Ravi Lancers have a decent commanding officer. A professional soldier, when the Rajah?s heir volunteers the Ravi Lancers to accompany the Indian forces destined for Europe, it is Bateman who guides their path. In the opening months of the First World War, the fields of Flanders could not have been a tougher proving ground for them. But battle affects men in different ways, and while the bloody carnage draws Krishna ever closer to his men, Bateman retreats behind rigid military patriotism. As they slowly forge themselves from a prince?s private army into a unit as effective as any regulars on the front line, Bateman tramples over their customs and traditions. A clash with Krishna is inevitable? In the trenches far from home, the tear between allegiance to their own ancient deities and their debt to an alien god of war starts to cause a wound deeper than any man-made weapon. Dying for a cause not their own, every man of the Ravi Lancers faces the ultimate choice: who do they follow? Making their fateful choice, the consequences for all will be severe? nothing will be the same again.










The Cavalry Journal


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Cavalry Journal


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True to Their Salt


Book Description

This important new book looks at the crucial role played by Indian soldiers in the control, and expansion, of the British Empire. Marking the 75th anniversary of Indian independence, it also argues that this group played a crucial role in securing Indian independence from the British.